Forgiveness must be walked
AUGUST 31 marked 20 years since the tragic passing of one of the world’s most popular figures of the 20th century, Princess Diana. Her sudden death called to memory a short, dynamic, and well-lived life leaving behind a royal but yet common touch on all humanity.
At her funeral procession through the streets of London, many observers would recall that not a word was spoken as people stood in awe of history and in respect of her legacy. In 1956 a different type of procession filled the tapestry of history when a few good women in South Africa answered the call of bravery, sacrifice and justice.
Their walk left an indelible mark. Their impassioned pleas still echo in our streets. The lives of these brave women, too, left behind a royal but yet common touch on all humanity.
The gospel of Luke chapter 7 records the story of a woman who also impacted history. Her procession to anoint Jesus was both sacrificial and dynamic as she cut through the cultural characterisation of the time.
She was ridiculed and judged as she fulfilled a deep sense of duty in walking by faith, stepping outside her comfort zone and living the forgiveness she received by Christ. Forgiveness not walked is forgiveness not lived.
In anointing Jesus Christ in the home of Simon the Pharisee, this woman too left behind a royal but yet common touch. It is written that Jesus himself said that wherever this gospel is preached, the story of this woman with the royal but yet common touch will be remembered.
Women’s Month in South Africa had two high profile incidents that scar the enormous footprints left behind. The royal but yet common touch of ordinary people who unselfishly sacrificed on this road to freedom is seemingly being forgotten.
Mother Theresa said: “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” The call for public participation has never been louder, the need for passionate and committed nation-building and desire for faithfulness in the mundane has never been more urgent.
A new procession, a different walk, a renewed hope, a lived forgiveness is required. Our country stands at a new dawn, the light of our treasured memories of victory has not yet been put out, and the emancipative struggle of our minds is alive.
As we gaze into the untapped potential of our youth, let us allow them to struggle, make mistakes, but also rise above our imagined dreams. In the words of Maya Angelou: “Still, like air, I rise.” Let this be our royal yet common touch, allowing the destiny of our youth to rise above and beyond the clouds of negativity, hatred and mediocrity. In remembering and in doing, we are rising!